Lotus Pond Scenic Area Introduction
Lotus Pond, located in the Zuoying District, embodies profound Eastern symbolism. Surrounded by Guishan Mountain to the south and Banping Mountain to the north, it gained prominence in the Qing Dynasty due to its abundant lotus flowers, which fill the air with a delicate fragrance each summer, earning it the reputation as one of the "Eight Scenic Views of Fengshan." The iconic "Dragon and Tiger Pagodas" by Lotus Pond provides a striking experience of Eastern religious culture and has been specially recommended by CNN, making it one of the most traditional religious scenic spots in Kaohsiung. There are more than 20 temples around Lotus Pond, with the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, the North Polar Xuan Tian Emperor Temple, and Confucius Temple being the most well-known. Among them, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are the most favored by international travelers and are a must-visit hotspot in Kaohsiung. In 2014, CNN listed the "Dragon and Tiger Pagodas of Lotus Pond" as a special recommendation for alleviating disasters in its article "10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung." The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, built in 1976, is seven stories tall and allows visitors to enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, symbolizing "entering through the dragon's throat and exiting through the tiger's mouth" for auspiciousness and avoiding misfortune. Climbing to the top provides a panoramic view of Lotus Pond. The Spring and Autumn Pavilions, located adjacent to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, were built in 1953 and have stood for over sixty years. These two Chinese palace-style towers, known as "Spring Pavilion" and "Autumn Pavilion," commemorate Confucius and his work "Spring and Autumn." Each pavilion has four octagonal levels, with green tiles and yellow walls resembling precious pagodas. The ancient pagoda shadows reflect in the water and connect to the Nine-Curved Bridge. The pavilions were constructed in memory of the martial saint Guan Yu and are regarded as the best pagodas in Taiwan, also known as "Imperial Pavilions of Spring and Autumn." The Spring and Autumn Pavilions feature a dragon-shaped tunnel similar to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, where visitors can follow the signs to enter through the dragon's mouth. Inside, the tunnel is adorned with colorful paintings, telling various religious stories in intricate detail. Many visitors come with reverent hearts to appreciate the exquisite artwork on the walls. At the front of the Spring Pavilion stands a statue of the Dragon-riding Guanyin, which is based on a legend stating that Guanyin Bodhisattva once rode a dragon to appear in the clouds and instructed believers to construct a statue reflecting her appearance between the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, leading to the current Dragon-riding Guanyin statue. Wuliting (Five Mile Pavilion) comes from "Five Miles Fog," as referenced in a poem by Li Shangyin: "In five miles, there is no reason for fog." In worldly terms, those in a state of confusion are said to be in "five mile fog." The Wuliting is about two stories high with flying eaves and bright yellow tiles, creating a stunning sight. In the morning twilight, when Lotus Pond is shrouded in mist, the pavilion appears as if floating on the water, resembling a celestial palace. At night, the long palace lantern illuminating the embankment emits a soft glow, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Climbing the stairs of the Wuliting to the second floor allows visitors to overlook the entire Lotus Pond, where the scenery is filled with Eastern charm and highlights the beauty of Jiangnan garden architecture. Starting from March 10, 2025, the Confucius Temple in Zuoying, Kaohsiung will undergo durable structural reinforcement and restoration, expected to be completed by September 15, 2025. (Actual visiting hours are based on the announcements from Kaohsiung's Zuoying Confucius Temple Facebook page.) The Confucius Temple next to Lotus Pond is the largest in Taiwan, modeled after Northern Chinese palace architecture and resembling the shape of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong. The building is grand and majestic, including the Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, East and West Wings, Chongsheng Shrine, Lingxing Gate, Li Gate, and the Yilu Lane, Minglun Hall, and Panci Pond with arched bridges—all well-equipped. As early as 1684, the local magistrate Yang Fangsheng built the sacred temple, which was later repaired during the Qianlong and Guangxu eras due to weather damage, resulting in the current complete scale. Every year on September 28, a grand ceremony is held for Teachers' Day. The Lotus Pond Children's Park is a well-known family-friendly attraction in Kaohsiung. Departing from the monotonous, standardized playground equipment of the past, the park features diverse, locally-inspired play structures, making it the first co-prosperity park in Kaohsiung. The colorful Rainbow Hill integrates elements such as voice tubes, pipe tunnels, and rock climbing, allowing children to explore freely; they can become spiders in the sandpit with rope climbing equipment to enhance their coordination. Recently upgraded, the park also features a 30-meter-long zip line, bird's nest swings, and balance beams, making it a great place for families to enjoy and learn together. In the vibrant surroundings of Lotus Pond, where pavilions, large statues, and city walls encircle the area, there's a rich atmosphere of an "old city." Historical sites, ancestral houses, and military dependents' villages bring forth a strong sense of community life. Walking through the old streets and traditional markets allows visitors to discover the rich and exciting flavors of Zuoying! The scenic beauty of Lotus Pond is exceptional, and various water activities are available for thrill-seeking tourists. The walking path around the pond not only offers a peaceful experience for walkers to enjoy the tranquil lake views but also satisfies cyclists who wish to enjoy the different rhythms of the scenery. The Lotus Pond Water Ski Theme Park is the first international-standard cable water skiing venue in Taiwan. Since its opening in 2014, it has attracted over a million visitors and hosts international invitation competitions periodically, attracting tourists from various countries. During competition periods, the event is broadcast through the media, creating a tourism peak from the perspective of sports tourism and allowing more people to discover a different side of Kaohsiung. PAMMA Coffee, located next to the Yuandi Temple at Lotus Pond, harmonizes with the natural environment in its bright, white architecture, offering elegant lakeside views. It serves light meals and drinks while guests savor coffee and enjoy the stunning scenery of Lotus Pond, making it a new must-visit spot for domestic and international tourists in the scenic area. Mango Cafe (temporarily closed for renovations starting March 10, 2025) invites you to enjoy afternoon tea in the Confucius Temple in Kaohsiung's Zuoying. Offering delicious coffee and traditional cakes in an ancient atmosphere, it allows for a different experience of Chinese-style coffee afternoon tea! Chengyi Tzu Chi Temple, also simply known as Chengyi Tzu Chi Temple or Zuoying Tzu Chi Temple, is commonly referred to by locals as the old...
